Altnabreac couple’s rail trial further delayed
The trial of a couple alleged to have repeatedly stood on a rail track in the path of oncoming trains has again been delayed.
The criminal case being contested by Ian Appleby (48) and 49-year old, Elizabeth Howe, has now been rescheduled for the second time.
The reason given for the recurring delay is that the defence is not fully prepared.
The couple have retained an advocate who was said, previously, to be "out of the country".
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald told the court last week that she had still not received instructions from the couple's counsel.
The trial was originally fixed for June 25, but priority was given to another case. A notional diet was fixed for July 10 but that didn't progress matters, and a new date has now been fixed for September 2.
Miss MacDonald confirmed to Sheriff Neil Wilson last week that both accused are adhering to their pleas of not guilty to the charges.
These accuse them of having, on March 1 last year, culpably and recklessly, and with "utter disregard for the consequences", crossed barriers onto the level crossing at Altnabreac Station, and onto the rail track while trains were approaching, to the danger of themselves and passengers and staff.
Appleby and Howe, a former detective, who live in the former station house, also deny having acted in an aggressive manner towards police officers, and struggled with them.
The accused's bail contains a condition which bans them from the level crossing and the rail track.
The prosecution was originally brought on indictment but was subsequently reduced to the less serious summary level meaning the trial will be heard by a sheriff without a jury.